Possibly, most of the time they are just running their mouth off, but also, there is the possibility, that they had commited themselves to getting the whole collection, and now that some of the pieces are not to their liking, then collecting the whole series is now a no-go.
I must admit that I felt that way when I made the same decision, only for C3 to start doing stuff that was not firetruck model related,(soft toys and stuff) and multiple company numbers.
Oh, and some stuff that as I was in the UK and not at one of their shows, I had not a chance in hell of getting one anyway.
However, C3 made the decision for me, by refusing to send international orders by USPS, and insisted they went fedex.
Fedex in the UK are one of the companies who love to rip off the little guy, by insisting that the freight charge added to the cost of the model, means they can charge 17.5% sales tax, on the model and shipping, as well as 10% imposrt tax, and then charge you, the model collector anther $20 surcharge for doing this.
I could not justify paying a total of $120 for a $50 toy.
The last 2 I bought were the 2 CFR's they did,and as all my collection is up in my attic, doing nothing, I could do with getting rid of it anyway now, but there are not many C3 collectors in the UK who have not already got the ones they want.

Location: London UK

Not quite the same as a 63 Corvette

Location: USA

Jeff,

I have been disposing of quite a few pieces out of my collection, including most of my HO and Code 3 items. Still have quite a few more to get rid of. Have been concentrating on the years 1925-1955, plus some of the M-Box & corgi Pieces. Have quite a few cast iron pieces, as well as older diecast and plastic items....Paul T.

Location: Peachtree City, Jaw Jaw

Hesus' Murumba: I have at least 100 older (1997-2002) C3s in origonal packages, plus two display cases full. Just collecting dust because collectors finally got sick and tired of C3 management, BS, and their over-priced shipping. I can see why people are so annoyed with this firm, that they won't buy their product. I'll be stuck with these items until the Earth ends on December 21, 2012.

Location: Arnie's New Punchline: "Ouch my back, because I'll be sleeping on the Couch"